Medication

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Racing Commissioners International gave final approval April 2 to the "RCI Controlled Therapeutic Medication Schedule," setting the stage for uniform implementation of racing medication rules in the U.S.

The horse racing industry is taking a closer look at a relaxant that produces optimum results when administered within a few hours of a race. The prevalence of GABA, a supplement, is open to speculation.

The regulators of eight states in the Northeast region have committed to a uniform medication and drug testing program in a move supporters believe is a step toward uniform regulation of medication and drug testing.

Oliver Tait, Darley's chief operating officer, has resigned from the board of the Breeders' Cup following a board decision not to implement a ban on race-day medication for all championship races this year.

The West Virginia Racing Commission Feb. 26 approved a resolution agreeing in principle with the effort to bring uniform medication, penalty, and testing rules to racing jurisdictions in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

The National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association Medication Committee voted Feb. 23 to endorse the use of race-day furosemide, also called Salix or Lasix, at this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships.

The Maryland Racing Commission voted Feb. 19 to adopt a uniform equine medication, penalty, and testing program proposed for Thoroughbred and Standardbred racetracks throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

A group of scientists met with representatives of the Thoroughbred Owners of California Jan. 18 to discuss exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhaging and later issued a joint statement supporting use of furosemide.

Racing jurisdictions and racetracks are making some headway on tightening the screws on integrity in the sport, though one official Dec. 6 described it as a "minefield" due to legal issues and court fights.

The use of racehorse medications and importance of owner education were among the topics discussed among trainers Kellyn Gorder, Tom Proctor, and Phil Sims at the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit at Keeneland.

Prodded by a rash of equine deaths at Aqueduct Racetrack last winter, the New York State Racing and Wagering Board Oct. 11 imposed what officials promised will be the first round of rules intended to make for safer racing.

A task force has determined the spate of fatal racehorse breakdowns at Aqueduct Racetrack this past winter was primarily the result of structural deficiencies in rules and regulations employed by NYRA and racing regulators.

Nearly two months have passed since a coalition of more than 60 owners launched an experiment into Salix-free racing, pledging to run their 2-year-olds without the controversial anti-bleeder medication
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The Kentucky HBPA said Aug. 31 it is "frustrated and extremely disappointed" with the decision by Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear to override a vote by a legislative committee that found new equine medical rules deficient.

Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear Aug. 30 said regulations designed to reform some aspects of the state's equine medication policy will be implemented despite action by a legislative committee that found them deficient.

Two national organizations said Aug. 28 they find it "troubling" factions in Kentucky horse racing are opposing medication regulations proposed by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission but shot down by a legislative committee.

Furosemide will be the only medication permitted on race day in Kentucky effective Sept. 4, and the drug will be administered by regulatory veterinarians only under new Kentucky Horse Racing Commission rules.

The Jockey Club intends to continue with its efforts to market Thoroughbred racing and develop new patrons, but the organization's leader said Aug. 12 those efforts must go hand in hand with medication and penalty reforms.

There may be plenty of data out there on trainer performance, but for owners, selecting a conditioner involves much more than numbers, according to an owner and trainer that have worked together for about 15 years.

In the wake of a New York Times article and an NBC Nightly News segment focused on injuries to I'll Have Another and the medications used to treat the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, Dr. Larry Bramlage issues a response.

The Jockey Club isn't opposed to federal regulation of medication and penalties in horse racing but it would prefer Congress not tinker with the Interstate Horse Racing Act, an organization official said July 12.